Next-Generation Car Technology for Your Current Ride

At this day and age, technology continues to change and improve at a rapid rate. We can now use things like voice commands, hands-free calling, and real-time navigation on large touchscreen displays from the comfort of our cars. Fortunately, you don’t need a brand-new vehicle to benefit from these features. Here are some steps to take if you want next-generation car technology in the ride you have now.

Safety first.

Be ready for the road ahead.

There are many things you can do to improve your car’s safety features by investing in small upgrades. Real-time collision avoidance systems offer safety hazard detections to help you avoid possible crashes. A camera, dash-mounted display, and (in some cases), bumper-embedded sensors will detect traffic, people or surrounding objects. You’ll receive a visual warning if traffic slows, if you drift from your lane or if you’re speeding. A blind spot system can provide sensor installation to front and/or rear bumpers to detect surrounding traffic. Alerts are usually installed in the rearview mirrors to flash when something is in your blind spot. One of the simplest and cheapest safety upgrades is the installation of a universal backup camera if your car does not already have one. Several car stereo receivers come with backup camera inputs if you plan on upgrading from your factory stereo.

Turn it up a notch.

Add quality volume and bass to your ride.

Swapping your factory speakers with a higher quality set is a simple car technology upgrade that will boost the clarity and volume of your sound system. If you’re looking to add extra bass to your ride, consider installing a subwoofer as a bonus. Adding a new amp to your car is the ultimate way to get the most out of your speakers and receiver by producing more power. A two-channel amp is ideal for powering your standard speakers while leaving a dedicated channel to power your subwoofer. You can learn more about what to look for in a car amplifier here.

Get high-tech features at your fingertips.

The many sizes and features of car stereo receivers.

The biggest car technology upgrade you can make is investing in a new receiver. First, confirm whether your factory stereo is single-DIN or double-DIN so you can find out what best fits your car and know your options. These days, there are several single-DIN and double-DIN options for touchscreen multimedia receivers.

The next step will be confirming what size and type of touchscreen display you want. Multimedia receivers come in several sizes, from 7” to 10” touchscreens, so you will need to figure out just how big you want to go. Many large touchscreen receivers appear to “float” in front of the dash, so make sure you know what will comfortably fit your car without blocking your air vents. 

 

Once you’ve decided on a size, confirm which features are most important to you. Like the basics? A traditional Bluetooth model may work best for you. Want the full “entertainment” experience? Look into models with a DVD player so you can play movies on the go. Spend a lot of time in the car? You can access your favorite navigation, streaming, and communication apps with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto to stay connected while driving. There are many options out there, so choose what is best for you.